In an era where diversity is celebrated, the fashion industry's shortfall in representing plus-size individuals has remained a stark reality. Despite a soaring market worth estimated at over 11.1 billion US dollars in 2022 for clothing with extended sizes, the industry's lack of inclusivity remains glaringly evident. Reports from the AW23 fashion weeks highlighted a minuscule representation of plus-size models has added to the reality of the size gap in fashion.
The discontent among plus-size consumers regarding fashion's neglect of their needs has spurred a recent study by the wholesale management platform Joor. This exploration delved into the most pervasive complaints aired by consumers with bigger sizes, collating their grievances to address the industry's gap.
Among the top concerns resonating among the consumers, size range emerged as a leading issue. The restricted size offerings drew sharp criticism, prompting a call for expanded ranges up to 5XL, emphasising the importance of price parity with other size ranges.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Another prevalent issue flagged by consumers was the misguided approach to designing for individuals who require extended sizes. Mere adjustments in width and length were deemed insufficient, with consumers advocating for tailored designs acknowledging diverse body proportions.
Surprisingly, accessories proved to be another arena of dissatisfaction for diverse-size shoppers. The overarching one-size-fits-all approach in accessories like jewellery, belts, and shoes elicited frustration, prompting a plea for more inclusive sizing.
Style limitations posed yet another hurdle for extended-size consumers, as they felt marginalised by the industry's tendency to confine size-diverse fashion to floral prints and antiquated styles. Suggestions for inclusive styles aligned with trending patterns emerged as a dire need for fostering confidence among diverse body types.
Image used for representational purposes only.
The lack of technological advancement in digital shopping experiences also surfaced as a noteworthy concern. With consumers craving futuristic shopping technologies like AI, AR, and virtual changing rooms, the absence of these features exacerbated the shopping woes of consumers looking to shop for bigger sizes.
Furthermore, the absence of relatable models in marketing campaigns was identified as a crucial void, emphasising the importance of representation reflecting diverse body types and ethnicities.
The delineation of separate plus-size collections was met with criticism, with the majority of women falling within the extended-size category, sparking the call for integration within mainstream collections. Lastly, authenticity emerged as a non-negotiable factor, highlighting the need for transparent stock sizing and truthful representation from fashion brands.
Image used for representational purposes only.
In the quest for inclusivity and authenticity, these grievances echo the urgent need for a radical shift in the fashion industry's approach towards size-diverse consumers, advocating not only for diverse representation but also genuine inclusivity in sizes, styles, and experiences.